Dolce & Gabbana says:
The Classic White ShirtWhy we agree:
Who knew this staple wardrobe item could look so good with embellished red hotpants? Granted, it isn’t an everyday look but I’m looking forward to taking the white shirt away from the office!How to wear:Okay, so we won’t all be wearing the white shirt in such an extravagant way, but how about taking a tip from Gucci ( sorry, not sorry about the constant Gucci name drop) and wearing this classic piece with an A-line leather mini? I’ve recently bought a burnt orange patent leather look skirt from Primark and I can’t wait to pair it with a crisp white shirt, black tights and over the knee boots or even simple black flats.

Dolce & Gabbana says:Embellished JeansWhy we agree:Could this look a little garish to the untrained eye? Of course, but who really cares when you’ve got jewels all over your jeans? Plus, I love that you could actually make this even more unique with a little DIY, I like this video for inspiration.How to wear:Once embellished your jeans can take you from day to night! Keep the rest of the pieces simple though, not everything will work with such a bold pair of jeans!

Dolce & Gabbana says:Red Roses everywhereWhy we agree:I’m not sure why you wouldn’t want to wear fresh roses in you hair everyday, but these lovely floral decorations (in hair, on shoes and embroidered onto dresses) add a bold dimension to a pretty, feminine look. Did I mention it reminds me of the Mediterranean sun?How to wear:Firstly, put them in your hair! Secondly, embrace the oversized rose print and then if you’re feeling really brave, use them to embellish your accessories.. but not all together though, I think that might be a little too much…

Dolce & Gabbana Says:[Almost] Flat ShoesWhy we agree:Heels always look really glamorous, but let’s face it we all love a good flat shoe because they’re pretty and nearly always comfortable. And look! The D&G versions are still glamorous with all the embellishments and the cute Mary Jane style strap! Now I just need to find a more affordable dupe..How to wear:The show was for SS15, but I think they’re a great substitute over the AW period for when it is a little too warm to wear boots. Do as D&G have and wear with loose fit jeans and mini dresses (add tights for the cooler weather

Here are a few items that I have purchased on both Ebay and Vinted (a swap and sell app, similar to Ebay) over the last month or so. I’ve found that a lot of high street stores can be quite over priced, which is why I’ve been searching for bargains elsewhere before I commit to buying from the high street. You can find some gems from the high street on Ebay and Vinted anyway, so it is definitely worth having a little look! The only thing I found was that it is very easy to get addicted to bidding on an item, it gets very competitive, which is why some of the items may aren’t neccessarily the cheapest, but I’d like to think I saved some money in the process!

I can’t wait to style this gingham midi skirt! Originally from Primark and only recently retailing for £15, I paid around £8 on Ebay!Originally from Miss Selfridge, I paid an amazing price of £3 for this pleated midi skirt! Such a bargain for an on trend skirt!Including P&P I paid £9.99 for this over-sized denim jacket that was originally from Topshop!I paid around £12 for this lace, fringed kaftan (originally from New Look). I wish I’d paid less for this as I could have bought new for around this price, but I got a little too competitive with my bidding.. oops..I bought this from Vinted and the best thing about this is that when I signed up for Vinted I received a free £5 voucher.. This skirt was £4.50, and all I had to do was pay £3.70 postage! It is a gorgeous black tulle style midi skirt and I love how versatile it is!

I am so in love with my new flat sandals from Urban Outfitters! The little elephant studs add a really delicate, pretty touch. I have been looking for a perfect pair of sandals, and when I saw these I fell in love with the cute detailing and classic style!

Anyone remember wearing jelly sandals when they were a little girl? Or how about when you got a bit older, and you looked at Birkenstock sandals with disgust?

Well, guess what? They’re both back for Spring, and they’re causing somewhat of a split between fashion fans. Can jelly shoes really look nice? Is it safe to go out in Birkenstocks without feeling as if you’ve committed a fashion faux pas? Well, although I’m still not entirely convinced, seeing these throwback sandals looking super cool and effortlessly chic amongst the street style elite may be starting to convince me. As usual, the high street are coming up with some great editions, so there are lots of choices to be made if you are nearly as convinced as me!

I personally prefer the White Arizona Birkenstock sandal, but they are available in lots of different prints ( like blue paisley, for the more adventurous Birkenstock fan). You’re not just limited to the real deal here though, River Island and Topshop both have great quality versions, as well! They’re actually proving really versatile, too- wear with wide leg pants, skinny jeans or dresses for a cool, casual vibe!

The jelly shoe, however, comes in a lot of on trend variations, from heeled to slingback! I must admit that I firstly thought ‘I’ll stick to black’ (they look amazing with black socks, surprising I know), but after seeing the luscious pastel shades
from Juju I am lusting after a powder pink pair! Wearing them with socks may sound a little odd- we were always told no socks with sandals- but I have to say that they look so cute with frilly white ankle socks! I love the height that a heeled pair will add to an outfit, but the slingback, flat pairs are also a great alternative to summer sandals!

What do you guys think? Are you convinced? I think I may have just convinced myself…

Kate Spade never disappoints when it comes to creating bold, youthful collections, and their AW collection, which was showcased during the second day of NYFW, was of no exception. This time the story behind the collection comes from the creative director’s recent trips to both Shanghai and Tokyo, which is clearly demonstrated by the designer’s use of obi bows, silky pajama pants and, of course, that ‘Hello Tokyo’ clutch bag. In this collection, rich colours are reminiscent of the vibrant South East Asian culture, especially when they are mixed with lots of textures, quirky accessories (that Chinese take out handbag) and bold prints (think bright florals and leopard spots). As usual, the Kate Spade New York collection has provided everything it promises to it’s loyal fashion followers; its playful, its bold and brings a youthful glow to the otherwise dull AW months. And what does the creative director have to say about the more subdued colours in the collection? ‘Navy is the new black’ (for a more classy Kate Spade look) and ‘Pale pink is the new neutral’ (For a softer, feminine edge contrasted against those brilliant vibrant hues).

I’m not really one for resolutions (as if posting about resolutions halfway through January didn’t suggest that already) because I know that I probably won’t stick to any of them.. A year is a long time to stop or start doing something without giving up I think! But, with this said, I’ve been thinking lately of fashion related things I want to start doing, and, yes, I may not do all of them, I may just like the idea of doing them, but I’ve made a list anyway and hopefully I’ll start doing a few of them, or at least try to (and that’s what matters, right?). So, here goes..

1. To buy from charity shops. I know there’s a challenge out there of only buying from charity shops for a whole year, and I wish I could commit fully to this but I just don’t think I can just yet. I am going to try harder to buy from them once in a while though; its cheaper than the high street, I’ll be donating to charity and I might even get lucky and find something vintage! There are some good finds, you just need to rummage.. I saw a pink satin ball gown in one window that could have passed for Lanvin (although it probably wasn’t).

2. To buy more vintage. High Street, I love you, but there’s no character to you anymore, you all copy each other and everyone’s wearing the same. Like I said, I love high street and I won’t stop wearing it but I think it would be nice to have some one off items in my wardrobe!

3. To keep on improving. I love fashion and I think my knowledge is really improving, but you can never know enough and every little extra piece of information can only help me grow in such a competitive industry.

4. To think before I buy. Do I really need to buy another jumper? Not really, no.. and Primark is the worst for convincing that I do need that jumper.. and that necklace.. and that pack of earrings.. Such a bargain? Well it all adds up, I need to control myself a little better!

5. To buy because I like/want something. The problem of being in fashion and doing so much research is that I see current trends in a magazine and think ‘Ooh, I better run out and buy something from every trend I’ve just read about’. Despite loving most trends it just doesn’t make sense to think ‘checks are in, I better get that check print blouse’. Style shouldn’t be a tick list, it should be a bit more original than that. This isn’t to say I’ll stop reading magazines, getting inspired and buying ‘on trend’ items altogether, but what is ‘on trend’ shouldn’t be the ultimate reason I buy something!

After eyeing that pretty blue necklace in Accessorize I felt I needed a few new bits of jewellery, and instead of paying £15 for that one necklace I actually ended up paying less than this in Primark for five pretty pieces! Honestly though, my bank balance is lucky I spent such a little amount, because Primark had such nice things in that I actually picked up lots of different items (blue woolen coats, pretty spring tee’s, scarves,disco pants..) but I wisely talked myself out of buying so much, because after all, I did only go in for jewellery!

So, below are the bits I bought…

Finally got my hands on some dainty little midi rings for only £1.50 for a pack of 4!

Another statement necklace to add to my collection, it’ll look great with knits but I especially love the fact that if I wear it with a blouse and tuck it under the collar it will give the illusion of a cool brooch!

I was drawn to the colours of this pretty blue bracelet set, and for only £2, why not?

I thought this was really pretty and the floral design will really add a feminine, Spring/Summer touch to a basic AW knit!

And the fifth item is this embellished hat (okay, so it isn’t jewellery, but it was only a Pound!!) I’m not sure if it really suits me, but the Cara Delevingne hat trend has caught up with me, and I really wanted to try it out!

So, there we have it 5 items for around £13, which is why everyone deep down has a soft spot for Primark 😉